'The Baltic States regained their independence in 1991, but the security situation in the Baltic region continues to be the subject of heated discussion. There are many grounds for uncertainty about the future, most of them to do with the unstable situation in Russia and the crippling legacy of the Soviet era. Historical and geopolitical myths are also frequently cited in lines of argumentation and so must be included in the analysis. At present, the question as to the expansion of the European Union and the extension of NATO is acute and of major importance also to the development of the situation in the Baltic region. However, the Baltic Staates have little clout with which to influence the general situation and little chance of being accepted as full members of these organisations in the near future, however much they would like to be. There are many proposals for mitigating the serious situation of the Baltic countries. This study analyses them and compares them with experience gained from a functioning co-operation. Following an analysis of the basic historico-geopolitical factors and of the current situation in the Baltic region, it traces the latest developments in the Baltic States. In summary, the aim of the study is then to identify options for courses of action in security policy which would be generally acceptable and thus easier to implement.' (author's abstract)